- Nicola Sturgeon joined thousands of walkers as she took part in the Kiltwalk –
- Raising awareness of Scottish charity, Who Cares? Scotland, she walked alongside Care Experienced young people –
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has taken part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk to show her support for Care Experienced people across Scotland.
Donning her trainers and a pink Who Cares? Scotland top, she completed a wee wander around Balloch while speaking with people who have experience of the state care system on the issues important to them.
The Scottish charity is the organisation which called on the First Minister for the root and branch review of the care system in 2016. It is the only national membership organisation for Care Experienced people, that is those who are, or have been, in state care such as adoption, children’s homes, foster care, kinship care or who are looked after at home with social work supervision, in Scotland.
Louise Hunter, Chief Executive at Who Cares? Scotland, said:
“Once again the First Minister has shown her commitment towards Care Experienced people. We are very grateful that she took the time today to walk the walk and step up for Care Experienced people in Scotland by joining the Kiltwalk.
“I’m sure our members will be thrilled to have seen the First Minister and our mascot, Buddy the Bear, walking side by the side on this wonderful sunny day on the shores of Loch Lomond.
“With the help of the First Minister, we can work to ensure all Care Experienced people feel supported throughout their lives, building a community around them that allows them to thrive.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“I’m delighted to be taking part in the Kiltwalk today to support the vital work of Who Cares? Scotland and hear about the issues faced by those Care Experienced young people taking part.
“The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping The Promise by 2030, and we are working closely with partners like Who Cares? Scotland to ensure that the voices of Care Experienced young people continue to be heard.
“There are many further steps on the road ahead to ensuring that all children know only love and compassion and not a care ‘system’, which is why our Keeping The Promise Implementation Plan includes a number of actions across a wide range of areas to significantly reduce the number of children in care, and a commitment to invest at least £500 million over this Parliamentary term to make sure families get the support they need to thrive.”
The First Minister has a long history of supporting the work of Who Cares? Scotland. On top of acting on its call for the Independent Care Review, she has attended its Care Day celebrations, visited its Summer Camp and often provided personal support to Care Experienced members of the organisation.
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Notes to Editor
- Who Cares? Scotland was established in 1978 and is Scotland’s only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Its strategic vision is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland. For more information, visit www.whocaresscotland.org/
- The Kiltwalk is a series of walks organised in different cities across Scotland. www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/
- For more information, get in touch with Kenny Murray on kmurray@whocaresscotland.org
